The Cappies is a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders. Student critics vie to be published in local media outlets by attending productions at other schools and writing critical reviews.

THROUGH THE CAPPIES

Theatre and journalism students are trained as critics and attend each others shows. Cappies students discuss and learn about theatre production. Throughout the year, newspapers publish the reviews with the students' bylines. At the end of the year, Cappies student critics decide who among their peer performers and technicians should be recognized for awards at the end of the season with glamour and excitement.

HOW IT ALL WORKS

Each participating school selects a show to be attended, and also forms a team of 3 to 9 student critics and 2 adult volunteers in the fall. Shows may have between 20 and 90 critics in attendance. Critic teams and mentors gather in a private discussion room to perform pre, mid, and post show discussions. The technical and performance aspects of the show are discussed with provided documentation from the host school.

After each show, with adult oversight, the mentors and program director select the best written reviews to be sent to local press outlets. All the reviews are also sent back to the performing school.

At the end of the season, a Tonys-like celebration occurs, where all nominated shows perform a cutting or the critics' choice song, and the final Cappies awards are presented with a trophy by regional critics and peers.

CAPPIES REGIONS

13 local Cappies chapters are in operation in the following areas:

National Capital Area

Serving the greater Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia area.

National Capital Area

Serving the greater Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia area.

Orange County Cappies

Serving Orange County, CA and surrounding areas.

South Florida Cappies

Serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Greater Philadelphia Cappies

Serving the areas of Southern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware.

Greater Cincinnati Cappies

Serving the Greater Cincinnati area including Northern Kentucky.

Cappies of Baltimore

Serving Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County.

Canada's Capital Cappies

Serving Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Cappies of Greather Edmonton

Serving Edmonton, including St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and Sherwood Park.

Kansas City Cappies

Serving 45 miles in any direction from downtown Kansas City.

Central Florida Cappies

Serving Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola and Volusia counties.

Cappies Niagara Ontario

Serving Southern Ontario.

St. Louis Cappies

Serving a 50 mile radius of St. Louis City and County.

El Paso Cappies

Serving El Paso County, Texas.

THROUGH THE CAPPIES

Theatre and journalism students are trained as critics and attend each others shows.

Once you are approved, Cappies officials from across the U.S. and Canada will help you get off to a good start, and assist you with your first critics' training session. In your first year, it will take a lot of time, energy, and devotion.

Your theatre students will get a terrific learning experience, feel a new excitement when they put on plays and musicals, and earn community accolades like never before.

Do you have questions regarding information on how to start your own Cappies, including requests for press kits and/or startup materials?
Are you with a media/press organization?
Do you just have a question or comment that you'd like us to hear?
Please reach out to us by one of the following methods: